What is Credit and Why Does It Matter for College Students?

Key Takeaways

• Credit is your ability to borrow money and pay it back.

• Your credit score impacts your ability to borrow money and the interest rates you receive.

• Starting early and using credit responsibly can set you up for future success.

• Qwik cards make building credit simple, manageable, and fun for students.

• By understanding and using credit wisely, you’re laying the foundation for a stable financial future. Start building your credit today, and invest in your future financial freedom!

As a college student, managing your finances can feel like navigating uncharted waters. One important financial concept you’ll likely come across is credit – familiar to some, intimidating to many. This article will cover what exactly it is, and why should you care about it now?

What is Credit?

Credit is essentially the ability to borrow money with the promise to pay it back later, usually with interest. In the financial world, your creditworthiness (how reliable you are as a borrower) is determined by your credit score. This signals your financial reputation: it reflects how responsibly you manage borrowed money and how likely you are to repay it.

Credit can come in many forms:

• Credit cards, which allow you to make purchases on borrowed money, paying it off later.

• Loans, which could range from student loans to car loans or personal loans.

• Mortgages, which are long-term loans for purchasing a house.

For college students, credit is most commonly associated with credit cards, but it’s also important for taking out loans, whether for student expenses, a car, or a future mortgage.

Why Does Credit Matter?

1. Building a Credit History

One of the most valuable assets you can have as a student is a solid credit history. The earlier you start building it, the more time you have to establish good habits. That means paying your bills on time, keeping balances low, and using credit responsibly. More importantly, a long credit history can significantly boost your credit score, which in turn opens doors to better financial opportunities. This can help you secure better credit cards and opportunities down the road.

2. Getting Approved for Loans

Whether you’re thinking about financing a car, taking out a student loan, or even applying for your first apartment, having a good credit score plays a huge role. Lenders and landlords use your credit score to assess how risky you are as a borrower. The better your score, the more likely you’ll get approved, and at better interest rates.

3. Lower Interest Rates

A strong credit score doesn’t just help you qualify for loans, but it can also help you save money on them. When you have a higher credit score, banks and lenders are more likely to offer you lower interest rates, meaning you’ll pay less over time. Whether it’s a loan or a credit card, lower rates mean more money in your pocket.

4. Building Financial Independence

As you transition into adulthood, credit becomes a tool that enables you to manage your finances more effectively. With a good credit score, you can build a track record of financial responsibility that sets you apart in the eyes of future lenders, employers, and even insurance companies. A future where you no longer need to rely on weekly allowances sounds good, doesn’t it?

Why Should College Students Start Building Credit Now?

It’s tempting to push credit-related decisions to the future, especially when you're busy with schoolwork, social activities, and internships. But the truth is, the earlier you start, the easier it will be to build a healthy credit score over time and save yourself the added stress when you need to figure this out post-graduation. College is an ideal time to establish good financial habits, and using a Qwik credit card can make the process simple and manageable.

Most credit cards need a pre-existing credit history for you to get approved. Almost like entry-level jobs asking for 5+ years of experience. With Qwik, you are automatically pre-approved and can start building credit without the stress of maxing out credit limits or facing unpredictable payments. We’ve designed the student credit card that prevents you from overspending, while offering attractive cashback offers and partnerships that can help you live your best life in college. Learn more about our perks or sign up now!